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Schools

Highland Struggles to Find Offensive Rhythm in Loss to Kingsway

Highland's Marvin Ayi-Bamah scored a game-high 23 points, but his teammates struggled to hit their shots as the Tartans suffered their first defeat.

The Highland boys’ basketball team looked to build on last week's season-opening road win over Tri-County Conference powerhouse Williamstown in its home opener Tuesday afternoon.

The only thing standing in the Tartans' way of a surprising 2-0 start was a Kingsway team coming off its third consecutive South Jersey Group 3 championship.

Despite senior guard Marvin Ayi-bamah’s game-high 23 points, the rest of Highland’s offense fell flat in a 52-37 loss to Kingsway (2-1).

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The Tartans came out hot, leading 16-15 after the opening quarter on the strength of senior guard Tim Brown’s eight points, but Brown and the rest of his teammates were unable to sustain their early offensive rhythm.

After the game, Highland head coach Andy Thies talked about his team’s struggles on both ends of the floor.

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“We made shots early, but we didn’t defend, which is shocking for us because we always defend well,” he said. “And later in the game, when things weren’t going well for us (on the offensive end), I think it affects us on the other end. We can’t let that impact our mentality.”

Highland built a 20-15 early in the second quarter, but Kingsway closed the half on a 10-0 run that was highlighted by a buzzer-beating layup.

In the third quarter, Kingsway began to pull away behind forward Brad Fagan, who led the Dragons with 17 points.

“He’s a real matchup problem. He’s got size and can shoot it. He’s a dual threat out there and works very well without the ball,” Thies said.

The Tartans cut the Kingsway lead to 40-34 with 5:08 left to play in the fourth, but couldn’t get any closer despite Ayi-bamah’s 13 second-half points. The rest of the Tartans combined for only four points in the second half.

Thies was impressed with his leading scorer’s performance, but noted the need for a more diversified offensive attack.

“Marvin has to score for us, because, right now, he’s the only true scorer we have on the floor,” he said. “We’ve got guys out there that have played two games who haven’t scored a basket, so we have to get them going a bit and have them contribute offensively.”

Brown battled cramps in the second half and could never regain the early touch that led to his scoring eight points in the first quarter.

The Tartans will get back at it on Thursday when they travel to Clearview for an important early season showdown with their division rival.

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